Combining Your Pre-Wedding Celebrations
Most couples today decide to nix the Chippendale’s dancers and Hooter’s girls, leading many to consider combining the bachelor and bachelorette parties. It’s a great way to share the love with all your friends and loved ones, as well as slimming down the pre-party list.
The advantages are abundant. Having a single party means you only need to worry about one venue, and one time for all of your friends to get together. Whether or not that means a budget savings depends on the style of gathering chosen. Like the wedding shower host, the bachelor and bachelorette parties are hosted by someone other than the bride and groom, and the wedding party generally splits the bill. If you’re concerned about their budget, suggesting a joint party makes sense, provided you make it known you’d like them to keep the festivities to a minimum.
Generally, when the bachelor and bachelorette parties are combined, the atmosphere is relaxed and wholesome, and parents and other relatives are often invited. They are popular for second-time bride and grooms, or if you’ve decided not to have a bridal shower.
You can have the joint bachelor/bachelorette party at a bar, restaurant, even someone’s home. Some reception venues offer pre-party rooms, so find out ahead of time if there is a discount. On the same budget-conscious note, check your transportation vendor about discounts for using their company before the wedding. Other popular ideas are day-trips, wine-tastings, spa visits, or a night in the big city near you.
Should you join the two parties, the hosts need to combine ideas and make sure no strippers (male or female) are hired unbeknownst to the bride and groom. While it might sound like a clever gag, emotions run high before weddings. Any sort of sexual theme, no matter how ridiculous, could upset one or both parties.
Since most guests won’t be familiar with a combined party, make sure the invite lets them know the attire expected, and have the best man and maid of honor spread the word on appropriate gifts to purchase—friends will probably want to ditch the lacy teddies in favor of something more co-ed appropriate.
Do not join the parties together if you’re set on a wild evening with your friends. All-male and all-female parties work much better for debauchery theme nights, and your fiancé doesn’t need to hear your bridesmaid spill out tales of your first boyfriend. As always, if you plan on making it a night of excessive drinking, plan the party several days before the wedding. Unlike your love, hangovers don’t mix on wedding days.
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